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Every week we review a select few comics for New Comic Book Day. There are so many that come out each week it’s hard to choose. This week we take a gander at Batwoman, Punisher and Daredevil. Check out our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

Finally, Batwoman is back in her own solo comic! I’ve immensely enjoyed James Tynion IV’s work with Batwoman and the voice he has given her in Detective Comics, but I’ve longed for Kate Kane to be the star of the show instead of a member of an ensemble. Batwoman #1 is everything I hoped a Batwoman comic would be and more.

It fully fleshes out Batwoman, giving her a base of operations, a method of transportation, and even her own Pennyworth butler. However, the writing duo of Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion IV have made sure Batwoman isn’t just a female Batman. Part of that is due to her unique voice and globe-spanning mission while the remaining part is due to her unique past that the issue starts to touch on. There are many layers to Kate Kane, and the issue starts to peel them back one-by-one. Complementing the story is the beautiful art by Steve Epting.

Not only is the issue a great jumping on point for new fans, but it also serves as an excellent book for longtime Batwoman readers. Batwoman #1 is highly recommended and is one series to keep an eye on in the future.

Punisher’s one-man war on Condor continues in Punisher #10. Becky Cloonan continues to delight as she writes a Frank Castle that is tough-as-nails, resourceful, and leaves a trail of bodies in his wake. This comic has never been shy about showing violence, but what Punisher does with a bear trap takes this comic to a whole new level. Punisher #10 lives up to its parental advisory notice.

As the story starts racing to its conclusion, this is turning into one Punisher tale you don’t want to miss. Due to the unfortunate passing of Steve Dillon, artist Matt Horak fills in for art duties. He captures Dillon’s style almost perfectly and allows the book to fit in stylistically with the previous issues. If you’ve yet to check out this series, you’ll want to make some room on your pull list as it’s worth reading. Punisher #10 is an excellent read and shows that Marvel can still pump out mature titles that are on par with the rest of the industry.

One of the burning questions since the beginning of Charles Soule’s Daredevil run has been “How did Matt get his secret identity back?” After over a year, Charles Soule is finally ready to answer that question. Daredevil #17 was told entirely by flashbacks and bridged the previous series to the current one, and Daredevil #18 picks up right where #17 left off.

Soule introduces readers to The Purple Man, who promptly gives us a display of his powers in a downright horrifying fashion. In fact, the story ends up being more about him and his offspring than about Daredevil. The twist at the end brings about more questions, and we’ll see more than a few fan theories as a result of this issue. I’m excited to see how Charles Soule ties it all together.

If you’ve yet to check out Charles Soule’s Daredevil, #17 and #18 are a fantastic place to start. I know I’m planning on checking out the previous issues of this series; if the writing is as good as this issue, I’m in for a treat.

Connect with Marguerite:

A Brief History of Marguerite Bennett

Marguerite Bennett is a comic writer that has demonstrated the ability to touch on many themes, tones and styles. Born in Virginia, she is a self-described Nerdy Southern Belle. In DC Comics Bombshells, she re-imagines prominent female characters in the context of ‘40s WWII culture. Her work Insexts subverts historical expectations and Victorian literature for an twist. She is currently a writer for DC Comics, Marvel, Aftershock, BOOM! Studios, Rosy Press, and more. In 2016, she was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book for Angela: Queen of Hel. This year she’s nominated for her work on DC’s Bombshells.

NOTABLE WORKS

The third annual Batman Day is September 17th, and who deserves a day of celebration more than the Caped Crusader? No one. It’s hard to overstate the impact that Batman has had on comic books.

Quite possibly the most recognizable comic book character, Batman has appeared in more than ten thousand issues to date. He’s a genius detective who dedicates his time and incredible resources to the pursuit of fighting crime in his beloved Gotham City and beyond. He’s a complex and nuanced hero, whose story has been told again and again, subtly reforming in the same way that we build myths.

For long time fans, Batman has changed significantly over his nearly eighty-year run, and with each new capitulation, he brings exciting new storylines. But for casual fans, or for those who have never picked up a Batman comic, the call of the Bat-Signal can be intimidating. Those thousands of issues represent quite a big backlog of reading to catch up on!

So, in honor of Batman Day, we bring to you a new reader’s guide to the very best that Batman has to offer. Below, you’ll find several titles that help a new reader to gain some insight on the Dark Knight so that you’ll become a shining star on your Batman trivia team.

The story itself follows Batman as he struggles to gain footing as a vigilante and slowly rebuilds the entire story of the Caped Crusader. As this title was DC’s attempt at restarting Batman’s legacy, it is essential to read and a perfect starting place for a new fan. From here, you’ll know enough about the dynasty to explore even the most loose canon titles.

The story unfolds as Batman hunts down an evasive serial killer who strikes Gotham on holidays, coming to critical mass at the titular Halloween. This story reminds the reader that Batman is a master detective and it artfully illustrates the relationship between Batman’s alias, Bruce Wayne, as the action unfolds before you. (Pro tip: Check out the awesome Batman Noir edition that came out in 2014. It’s absolutely beautiful and this is the exact story that’ll make you glad for investing in a nice copy.)

Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?

Written by comic legend Neil Gaiman (The Sandman, Creatures of the Night) with art by Andy Kubert (Dark Knight III: The Master Race, Flashpoint), this is an unlikely pick for new readers to the Batman saga because it takes place right after Bruce Wayne’s death. Many new readers shy away from this particular title because of its place right in the middle of a major story shift, but it’s easily one of the most critical pieces of the Batman mythos. It is the narrative answer to a recap for Batman’s extensive history, featuring appearances from every major character from the comic series’ past.

While it is not a typical Batman story, preferring poetics and a shifting narrative, it examines the character deeply and in a way that is liable to make even the oldest Bat-fans fall in love all over again.

Set within the heart of the legendary Arkham Asylum, where Gotham’s most disturbed villains have started a riot, Batman must face both his classic foes and himself to save the day. Arkham Asylum has a visceral story and Dave McKean’s surreal art leaves a lasting memory of the darkness that Batman has to face during its telling.

This comic is essential for those readers who understand the importance of well-crafted villains for heroic storylines. While we don’t recommend this title as the very first Batman story you read, it should definitely be picked up shortly afterward.

We Are Robin Volume 1

Even more than Batman’s villains, the Caped Crusader’s allies are hugely important to his story, and there are none more so than his perennial protégé Robin. Writer Lee Bermejo teams up with artists Rob Haynes and Khary Randolph to explore another side of the city of Gotham through the eyes of several aspiring teenaged vigilantes, who all take up the mantle of Robin.

This series reinvents the character of Robin, placing it not as the moniker for a single side-kick that works alongside Batman, but as a call to arms for the youth of Gotham. We Are Robin is cathartic and refreshing, reminding the reader that Batman doesn’t exist in a vacuum, because his influence inspires a generation of young people to take action against the corruption that they have uncovered in their city. We Are Robin is diverse and not at all pandering, while it discusses the themes of everyday heroism that began the Batman legacy in the first place.

Batwoman: Elegy

Batwoman is in many ways the true successor to Batman himself, and in Batwoman: Elegy, she is at her best. Perhaps the seminal work of Batwoman’s library, Elegy also happens to be one of the best works that helped to define Gotham outside of Batman himself. While his influence is felt throughout the story, the true hero featured here is Kate Kane, an heiress who chooses to use her vast resources to better Gotham by taking on the Bat cowl.

During an investigation into a crime-worshipping cult, Batwoman faces off with a new villain who emulates Alice in Wonderland’s title heroine with a deadly obsession. Her encounter with Alice sends catastrophic ripples through Kane’s entire life and cuts to the core of what made her become a hero in the first place.

Acclaimed writer Greg Rucka tells this engaging, fast-paced story which is brought to life by award-winning artist J.H. Williams III’s breathtaking work. Elegy is sparkling with action, and you’ll find yourself torn between dying to read what happens next and wanting luxuriate in William’s genre-defining layouts. Most importantly, Elegy introduces new readers to Kane’s own legacy and illustrates the lasting power that the cowl wields.

We’ve done some fantastic Women in Comics interviews, and we’re psyched to have had the chance to chat with artist Amy Reeder. We loved her work on Madame Xanadu and Batwoman and are looking forward to her upcoming one-shot with Brandon Montclare from Image Comics, Halloween Eve.

We talked with Amy about her history in the comics industry, what she’s personally struggled with, and what’s coming next. Make sure to check out our four-page preview of Halloween Eve–looks like a lot of fun!

TFAW.com:What are your earliest memories of comics? What was the first comic you read?

Amy Reeder: My first experience with comics or even comics stores was when I became a fan of Sailor Moon in 1997. I would go to comic shops to find whatever paraphernalia they had . . . back then there wasn’t much manga, even. I think the first comic I read was Blue Monday, probably in 2003. That was when I graduated college. So I’m sort of late to the game!

TFAW.com:What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first begin to explore that creative outlet?

AR: I used to draw here and there . . . some people didn’t even know I was an artist. But when I drew, it was copying photographs, and I was pretty good at it. I couldn’t draw out of my own head, though. I gave up on that until I started getting into manga after college and realized that if I actually tried, I could probably teach myself to draw! And it turned out that I learned really fast.

I think it’s because I’m not one of those artists who always sees something wrong with my stuff. If I’m in control of it, I really do love it, like I sit there and pat myself on the back. It’s gross. So when I first started learning, and I’d see great results, it became an addiction and all I could ever think about or do was improve at art. It was such a rush.

AR: The biggest thing was that it came from the mind of Brandon Montclare. I wanted to work with him. He’s a friend of mine — we’re very close, and part of that is because the guy really knows his stuff. He’s smart, he cares, he believes in me, and he knows how to make stories that matter. He suggested doing a Halloween story, and I knew that he would do it wonderfully, and that we would get along. I will say I was nervous about drawing all the costumes in the store — I’d drawn a costume shop before in my Tokyopop book Fool’s Gold and it’s a lot of work! But I actually had loads of fun . . . on Halloween, anything goes, so I relied a lot more on my imagination, rather than reference.

AR: Hmm, I think it’s the level of quality, really. Like everything has been so cared for . . . this is by far my best work ever. And the story really takes you places . . . I think it’s pretty unpredictable, and yet it fits together like a glove. While drawing it I kept telling Brandon, “I think people are going to freak!” So I hope we’re right!

AR: Oh, they’ve been great. We’ve just sent the book to the printer, so I’ve had a lot of interactions with most of the staff as of late. And it’s all been good . . . you can tell they care, and that’s what matters most to me, working with a publisher. It’s also really nice to be associated with all the titles in the imprint . . . we all know Image has been creating a lot of buzz for quality comics.

TFAW.com:What’s your favorite part of telling stories in the sequential arts?

AR: Drawing faces, definitely. I’m obsessed with faces, all different types, and coming up with very specific expressions. Now that I’m coloring and inking, I can be even more exact with it. It’s the acting, I guess. And that’s what I look for in other people’s art as well. I get into it because of the acting.

AR: I struggle with a lot of the things that most comics artists are really great at. I am still learning to draw men well. Fight scenes are hard for me if it involves realistic combat, because I’ve just never paid much attention to that sort of thing. Even more difficult is drawing armor, guns — things that are more stereotypically “male,” honestly. Which is tough because a lot of this is the focus in comics. But I do want to get better, and I hope I will.

AR: Make like-minded friends (even if it’s online) and help each other get published. Also, always draw the absolute best you know how . . . and then some. Try the things you’re bad at until you’re good at them — don’t let your strengths be the crutch that keeps you from growing.

AR: It’s been all over the map. Sometimes I’ve been given really great chances that have probably been beyond my abilities because people in the industry want to support diversity. I think I’ve been recognized more often because I’m female, too. Other times have been no-so-great, but I’ve never experienced anything blatantly sexist. I get self conscious a lot — like I worry that when I stand up for myself it sounds more abrasive because I’m not a dude slapping another dude on the shoulder, like “F-you, man! Haha.” Or, my style is pretty feminine — I think it’s tough to get publishers and editors behind that sometimes, even though I’ve been shown time and time again that the audience is there. It’s made me examine myself a lot and where I exist in the gender spectrum, when I’d rather not even have to think about it.

AR: One?! Okay, well I really love Jill Thompson. She does it all — she writes, she watercolors, she does things for herself. And she seems really happy. Not to mention she’s incredibly talented. Oh, and strong. Physically. I have a picture of her fake-throwing me out of a restaurant! But seriously, Beasts of Burden broke my heart, Little Endless is amazing, and Scary Godmother is the best. She’s the queen of Halloween!

TFAW.com:What are three things you think comic book publishers should be doing to attract female readers?

AR: You know, this is tough, because I have realized that a lot of people genuinely do not know what attracts females. Like I just wish I could be in charge of it somehow. But the safest bet is to hire women on more projects, and listen to their opinions, because most of us really do get it. Hold on to these creators and these titles, even if they aren’t your top sellers, because we need a continuous influx of new readers in order to sustain the industry. And a huge well to dip into is the female readership.

AR: I am figuring that out right at the moment! I will probably have some new creator-owned project going because that’s going really well right now, but I might do some other things as well. I hope to have something awesome to announce by New York Comic Con!

Our thanks again to Amy for an excellent interview. Make sure to pre-order Halloween Eve for a little extra fun this month.

Check out our video below. MILD SPOILER ALERT! We’ll avoid any big spoilers, but we will give out a few details as we go. So were these comics and items Box-Worthy, Fence-Worthy, or NOT Worthy? Listen to our opinions and then post your own below.

We want to know what you think about the products we carry. Did the newest issue of Incredible Hulks meet your expectations? Did you enjoy that Star Wars TPB that you picked up last month? Your reviews help others decide if they should check out a product, or if they should pass it up and opt for something else.

As part of our monthly Product Review Contest, we’ve picked three reviews and are awarding $25 gift certificates to the people who posted them.

Lillian from Woodinville, WA reviewed a quite a few products last month. Her review of Batwoman: Elegy TPB really caught our eye:

I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things for this book. The book lives up to the praise for the most part. I am a fan of Rucka’s writing. He always paces his stories well and he has a masterly control of all his story elements for powerful and effective storytelling. His characters are believable, despite the superhero drama, and his storytelling is as fastidious as it is engaging…

…Every time you look at it, you see something new. The re-readability of this book is amazing. The first time through it, however, the sheer amount of details story-wise and art-wise is almost overwhelming. It is definitely a book to take seriously and enjoy like a fine glass a wine to take in all its greatness. Do not guzzle this book. You’ll miss out on so much of its richness.

I am not a comic or graphic novel fan, but the Jericho novel is different. This book is written by the shows writers and producers and is the official continuation of the series. It starts off with Jake and Hawkins in Texas with the bomb. We get to meet a new Green family member, get the backstory on John Smith, the mastermind of the Sept attacks and see the start of the Civil War. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

This is an amazing statue. It looks so much like SMG. The posture and attitude displayed are so perfectly shown. I wanted it for a year and finally decided to splurge and get it. I am very pleased to add it to my collection. Faith next.

Though we’re sold out of the Buffy statue, we’re now taking pre-orders for this amazing Spike Statue. Just so you know. 😉

Thanks again to everyone who shared their thoughts via a product review last month! If you’re submitting product reviews, please don’t submit duplicate reviews or submissions from other merchant websites. You don’t have to like the product to snag a winning review, so feel free to rant or gush.

So submit your reviews and help your fellow collectors, and us, sort out the “HOT” from the “NOT”! Who knows, you may be one of next month’s winners.

HOW TO SUBMIT A PRODUCT REVIEW:
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Click on it and our product review form will appear in a popup. Just fill out the pertinent information and submit your review, and you’re done! We’ll take a look at your review and get it up on the product page soon thereafter!

There’s also a really easy way for you to call up everything you’ve ever ordered from us and review it. Simply log in to your account and go into the Order History Section. Next to each item, you’ll see a “Review it!” link.